Central Chile Hiking - Snowshoeing - Bird Watching - Road Trips

Juncal Glacier: Hiking - 2 Days - Medium

We invite you to explore one of the largest glacial valleys of the Central Andes. Delight yourself with its rock walls of 3000 meters of height and summits of almost 6000 meters covered with ice. The Andean Juncal Park is also famous for its wetlands that have led them to gain the Ramsar status as a priority wetland for conservation.

Visit Inca Lagoon in portillo Ski Resort located at 2.800 mts / 9200 ft

Activity Duration

Day 1: 3 hours of ascent

Day 2: 1 hour of ascent and 2,5 hours of decline


Transfer Time

Approximate 2.5 hours transfer by vehicle from Santiago to the beginning of the route.


Technical Data

Distance: 8 km (one way) / Unevenness: 500 meters / Maximum height: 3.000 meters


Season

November to April


Requirements

Age participants between 14 and 60 years. Physical and medical conditions compatible with the activity (Please ask questions).

Itinerary

The schedules for this itinerary are just an idea. The final schedule will vary depending on the speed of the group and the weather. The pick-up time will be delivered when we receive your address through the reservation process.

Day 1: High summit and wetlands

9:30 Departure from hotel or meeting point. The exact pick-up time will be indicated by email.

10:30 From the San Martin highway, towards the north-east, we can see Mount Aconcagua, 7000 meters high, the highest in all of America. Then we will drive in the direction of the mountain range gradually taking height and going into the wonderful mountain valleys.

11:30 Start dirt way. We went through the valley crossing some estuaries and crossing part of the Blanco River.

Noon Start of the hiking under the gigantic walls of the Cerro Alto Leones in the background, the so-called Chilean Matterhorn. Walk following the course of the river and crossing a series of streams until we reach a plane from which we can see the impressive Monte Alto Los Leones of almost 6000 meters.

14:30 After a little more than two hours of hiking on an almost flat slope, the trail begins to rise more steeply. We can see the valley along and the wonderful path traveled with towering mountains around us. Vertical rock walls of more than 2500 meters surround us, as we approach the millenary ice.

15:00 We will pass the wetland area where the green pastures contrast with the colors of the mountains. In spring we can see a variety of flowers.

We will arrive at the glacial moraine where we will raise our camping, very close to Estero Mardones. You can enjoy the rest of the afternoon contemplating the mountains, taking pictures, and enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. At night probably awaits us a starry night as you've never seen before.

Day 2: The Glacier

8:00 We will make a rich and hearty breakfast, and then make our way to the glacier. We will cross the Estero Mardones and begin to climb until the giant glacier appears before our eyes with a great wall of ice. We can see how the glacier descends from 6000 meters between rock cliffs. If conditions permit, we will climb a bit until we are on the ice and enjoy this spectacular landscape eating our delicious snack.

10:30 Start return to our camp and lifting it.

11:00 Start decline to the entrance of the park, enjoying new views, including Mount Aconcagua from its impressive south face and hiking down a gentle slope.

13:30 Once at the entrance to the park we will take the road to Portillo Ski Resort (20 minutes) to Visit Inca lagoon.

15:00 take our transport back to Santiago.

18:00 Arrival at hotel or meeting point in Santiago.

Attention: Activity may include walking on uneven terrain, driving on unpaved roads with ledges, sudden changes in weather, walking in the sun.

It includes

  • Private Transport
  • 1 Guide each 4 clients
  • Lunch Box (2 sandwich, granola bars, fruit, biscuits, 500cc jack, and 500cc mineral water)
  • Trekking sticks
  • Snowshoes (if conditions require it)
  • Ticket to park
  • Communications equipment (radios VHF and satellite phone)
  • First aid kit

Not Include

  • Personal clothing (check "Equipment")
  • Backpack 60 to 70 liters (rent available for $ 7,000 CLP)
  • Accidents personal insurance
  • Sleeping bag and mattress (lease available)

Personal equipment what you should bring:

  • Little backpack (Rent available for $ 7,000 CLP)
  • First layer or shirt
  • First layer for a torso
  • Fleece or vest
  • Feather jacket or synthetic padding
  • Hiking pants (or something comfortable to walk) / short if the forecast is hot
  • Hiking shoes or grooved sole (not smooth)
  • Sunglasses
  • Jockey or sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sandals type Crocs or Bamers (are useful for crossing the river)
  • Gloves
  • Wool or synthetic hat
  • Balaclava or buff
0